I cannot believe the first week of September has flown by.  There are times it seems life is all about getting things done in a hurry. 

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

We have fast money via the automated teller.  We have fast food.   We use our electronic gizmos to find us the fastest route for a road trip.  We want to get our workouts in quickly so we flock to the latest workout that tells us we can get fit in only 20 minutes three times a week.  I watched the bees gathering pollen from the last of the goldenrod this week and they too seemed to be moving a bit faster from flower to flower.   Likely a coincidence as I am sure the pace they set is purely natural!

I am guilty of loading my days with far more than I should.  Many times.

I am guilty of wanting to get someplace fast, upset by someone in front of me who seems to have all of the time in the world.  Many times.

I have felt the jitters of impatience when I feel I have selected the “fastest” lane in the grocery store, only to be stymied by a problem with a customer ahead of me.  Many times.

Lately I have been asking myself, why the big hurry?

The more pointed question I have been asking is “what am I missing when I hurry?”

After my gym workout on Tuesday I went to a local grocery store for a few provisions.  When I approached the large glass-door coolers there was a young woman with two small boys in her shopping cart… and she was visibly upset, searching the floor in front of her.  There were a few other shoppers in the store, making their way around her. 

I parked my cart, approached her, and asked if I could help.  She explained that she had reached into a carton for an item, and when she did, her diamond engagement ring caught on the edge of the box… and the diamond fell out of the setting.  She was tearful and red-faced.  I offered to help and we searched the ground together. 

One man stopped and asked if we had lost a contact lens.  “No, a diamond”, I explained.

“Oh!” He exclaimed, “Good luck!” and walked on.

After a few minutes of scouring the tile floor, I spotted the stone.  I picked it up, and exclaimed, “I found it!”  The young woman turned to me with a face of excitement and surprise.  I handed her the tiny treasure and she started to sob.  She explained that a recently departed family member had helped her husband pick out the ring and it had great sentimental value.  She hugged me, thanked me, and we parted ways.

I felt good the entire rest of the day.

I could have been like anyone else at the store.  I could have avoided eye contact, and simply walked by. Not my problem.  I had a busy day planned!

That small event reminded me how good I felt by taking time out to be in the moment.

I walked out of the store appreciating the sunshine despite the hot, humid day.

When I got home, I looked at my to-do list.   Instead of the tasks I had assigned myself that day, I took the time to write emails in hopes of reconnecting with some friends I had not engaged with for quite some time. 

Where had all of that time gone?

What had I missed by hurrying?

I know I have been missing my old hobbies by being caught up in my routine.  Fly fishing is a wonderful way to slow down.  The fish make it so.  A beloved friend, Leon Chandler once said “Never, EVER leave a rising fish.  Not even for lunch.”

I am always trying to better myself.  It seems I need some work on avoiding the “hurry” mentality.

My exercise this week has been to make myself more mindful and slow down.

I have been mindful during my workouts by engaging in the exercises, and reflecting on how my body is reacting.  I have enjoyed the company of those suffering along with me at the gym, as we get stronger together.

I have been mindful during my meals.  Nursing trained me to eat quickly as you were never really sure how much time you would have before being able to stop again.  I have been forcing myself to slow down and savor the meal, no matter how small.  I am noticing that I feel full when I do this, and that helps me eat less. 

I have been mindful during my house chores, noting how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful home in an amazing country setting.

I have been mindful when I walk in the yard, or play with the dog, or visit with my family and friends.  What a gift to have them in my life and be surrounded by such a beautiful world. 

I have stopped to listen to music.  Really listen.

This has not been a perfect process.  I am shooting for 80% as that is good enough to make strides in the right direction.  This is not an easy exercise for me.  My natural inclination is to hurry so I can get more and more done!  It will take time and patience.  Hmmm… 

Patience with myself… That exercise will be for another week!